Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Dark Side

A few months back I decided to make a change to my little powder bathroom. Ever since we moved in over four years ago, I've wanted to change the red walls to something different. I waffled back and forth over wallpaper options (an idea which I still love), but after seeing some inspiration pics I decided to go with paint - very dark paint.

Here are a couple of those inspirations . . . 
Both images from Lonny.

I decided against black but instead went with an ambiguous navy bluish-dark gray. Seriously, still don't know what color it is exactly. It's appropriately named "Mysterious" by Benjamin Moore.

Here's the before:
As you can see, I already have a swatch on the wall. Not the best before shot, but you get the idea.
During: 
So flattering. Here, my freakishly long arms came in handy.

And, after:
The pear painting is by Montgomery, AL artist Nan Cunningham. The one above the toilet is a cheapo thing I found at Southeastern Salvage. The rug is Nate Berkus from HSN.
My mom did the sketch years ago. I stole it from her home at some point.
Found this brass towel holder at a consignment store for $15. The towel is from Marshall's. I realize I'm mixing my cats - a lion holding a leopard towel - but oh well.  

I also replaced the light fixture, but it still needs some work so I'll share that at another time. I really like the way it turned out. I went with a semi-gloss finish and even painted the ceiling. Very enveloping. Sorry the photos are not great. It's hard to photograph a very dark, very small room.

So, what do you think, would you come over to the dark side?

26 comments:

Icchic said...

This is a BEAUTIFUL makeover! Great job, Kathy!

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

Is there cookies?

Welcome to my world almost every room in our house is a dark color. I like how it makes any room look more sophisticated. Your bathroom looks awesome and the gold accents were a great touch. Love!

bluehydrangea said...

Kathy, It looks fabulous!! Love, love, love it!! What a difference paint can make!

SHERRY HART said...

Great job Kathy...love the choice of color....it looks awesome!

Ashley said...

Looks great, Kathy! I love how the dark color brings out the trim and wood floors. Happy Friday!

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

LOVE the color, it really makes the space more cozy and dramatic. Plus your art really pops against it.

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy,
So happy you stopped by PPT, leading me to you. What a wonderful blog you have! Can't wait to explore it more...but first had to tell you that I think your "Mysterious" colored powder bath is the bomb and that you've mixed your cats perfectly.

Your newest follower,
Elizabeth

Hamptontoes said...

What a fabulous job you did with a can of paint, the artwork, the lion hook (love, love, love) and the towel...it is absolutely stunning.

designchic said...

It looks fabulou...love the towel holder!!

quintessence said...

Great job! I just love your new dark walls. And so funny, I've been trying to decide whether to wallpaper or paint my powder room. If I do paint, it's definitely going to be dark!

The Devoted Classicist said...

The success of dark rooms depends on the lighting. A powder room is an excellent place to test a theory.

paula said...

LOVE the dark. Wish I wasnt over painting and could do this in my own home, But I am tired, ha.

birdsofafeatherdesign.com said...

Oh Kathy- I LOVE it... Might have to try dark paint in my 1/2 bath. I've been thinking grasscloth but I really like this! -Ann

Anonymous said...

I think it looks great. I just did a post today about my powder room. I was going to go with a black and gold wallpaper. I whimped out at the last minute and I'm going very neutral. Now I kind wish I went with the black one instead!

Good job.

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

I LOVE it!!! What wonderful inspiration you had too. All of your elements came together perfectly. Nice job.

tarheel said...

yes!! That makes me want to go paint my guest bathroom.

Gretchen O. said...

LOVE, LOVE!!!! So pretty....and Mysterious. I love the idea of a small room painted a dark color....I have been thinking of painting the kids small 1/2 bath in chalkboard paint...you have made me go one step closer in that direction!

Anonymous said...

Want to come paint my power room the same color? I've been wanting to transform our powder room since, oh, 2007 or so, but it keeps getting pushed down the "To Do" list. Now I really want to do it! Can I copy yours? :)

My Interior Life said...

Thanks, everyone!! Jennifer, you can most definitely copy mine. I would be flattered. I have to say I would highly recommend this color to anyone. It makes my little powder room much more chic!

Emma at The Marion House Book said...

I love a dark bathroom! It looks great.

Leigha said...

Totally gorgeous renovation. I have been itching to paint some charcoal gray in my house!

Leigha

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

Wow! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this with me. I LOVE the way your bathroom turned out. The bluish/black was the perfect color. And how lucky you are to have found that towel ring!!! I saw one in an old issue of Domino or Lonny (can't remember) and have been searching ever since...the closest thing I could find was a door knocker on eBay. My search continues...

Unknown said...

I just came across your powder room and love the paint color you chose. I wanted to let you know I featured it on my blog today. Thanks for the great inspiration!

Kristin
www.favoritepaintcolorsblog.com

MyJoyDare said...

Love your powder room! I've been looking at different dark navy colors for my powder room. Can you tell me what type paint you used? Some inspiration photos I've been looking at look very "shiny". And I am wondering if they are using a semi gloss or gloss paint rather than a satin or eggshell? Can you tell me what type paint you used? Thanks !,

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